Cricket: Few surprises in cricket contract list

Daniel Flynn has been named captain of Northern Districts across all forms of the game after previously employing three different captains. Photo / File.

There were few surprises as the six major associations announced the list of players offered first round domestic contracts for the upcoming cricket season.

Most of the changes had already been signalled, including Jesse Ryder relocating from Wellington to Otago to pursue a return to the New Zealand team, former Central Districts captain Mathew Sinclair's retirement and former New Zealand bowler Brent Arnel's move from Northern Districts, where he has been a fixture since 2006 and was last season's Player of the Year, to be a Wellington player and bowling coach.

All but Northern Districts (11) offered the full complement of 13 contracts, and all six need to complete their full contingent of 14 players on August 9.

Auckland welcome back opening batsman Jeet Raval after one season with Central Districts and also included fast bowler Tipene Friday, who relocated from Wellington.

The Aces had the luxury of five players among the top-20 national players so could afford to cast their net wider than some provinces.

Daniel Flynn has been named captain of Northern Districts across all forms of the game after previously employing three different captains.